\Lenore and I 



3537 



Y 



.A98 L4 ^AMES F. SAYER 

1900 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

^c:^ 

Chap...!..'-.., Copyright No, 

ShelL..A3S.L.4 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



LENORE AND 



LENORE AND I 



A LOVE STORY IN VERSE 



BY 



JAMES F. SAYER 



NEW YORK 
THE ESKDALE PRESS 



SECOND COPY, 



TWO COPIES RECEiVK 

Li&rgry of CeBgEO«% 

APR 2 6 1900 

egltUr of C^pyrtgfctfc 

ct. /a ^ ?-6~- 



61518 



Copyright, 1900, by 
JAMES F . SAY E R 



LENORE AND 1. 



I LOVED Lenore when little more 

Of years had come than half-a-score. 

You smile, and say, "The hearts of boys 

Are set on sweetmeats, sports and toys." 

I know not what your hearts may tell, — 

I but relate what me befell 

When, new to school, her voice and eyes 

And ways did me imparadise. 

At every vision that the turn 
Of school affairs of her did give, 
Did I the more intensely yearn 
A-near her radiant form to live. 
For she, when first I entered school, — 
From new-made clearings, poor in dress 
And cultured ways, and in distress 
Of mind at my reception cool 



6 Xenore anD If. 

From giggling girls, and boys that jeered- 
My guardian angel proved to be. 
When on the scene Lenore appeared, 
She turned at once reproving glance, 
As sharp and piercing as a lance, 
On my tormentors, — then on me 
She beamed, the soul of charity. 

Beneath her fostering kindness I 
Of more than friendship saw no token. 
To me she gentle was and shy. 
As modest maids are. All unbroken 
The silence 'tween us, till more bold 
In time I grew ; and tell-tale looks 
That stole to her from off my books, 
j\Iy deepest, holiest, secret told. 
Then, as we often met my chance, 
(For so we made it seem, you know,) 
Within her eye was softer glance. 
And on her cheek a rosier glow. 
I distanced soon each jealous swain 
Who saw my bliss, in brawn and brain. 
And in my class stood by the same 
Brave girl who at the first became 
My guardian angel. Being rare ! 
Haloed with sunny silken hair 



Xenore anD f . 

That veiled a neck of tinted snow, 
And rippled to a waist below 
That would have thrilled a palsied arm. 
No form more lovely ever trod 
With footfall light the flowering sod ; 
So light the daisies felt no harm. 

Those happy school days hurried on, 
The terms and years, till all were gone, 
Flew past, and, by divergent ways. 
We homeward went, in pensive maze 
Of feelings, gravely wondering when 
Our paths would reunite again. 
She welcome found among her kin 
In village home where long had been 
A love for learning, art, and all 
The mind-embellishers that fall 
To lot of those whom temperance 
And thrift have given a competence. 

Not such had my surroundings been. 
Yet coming back, I found my kin 
With goods increased. To amplitude 
Had grown the primal log-house rude. 
To it were added spreading wings, 
W-hich signified awakenings 



S Xcnoce anD IT. 

To larger life on higher plane. 
While I was bent my mind to train 
In distant academic halls, 
Had fallen back the barky walls 
That hemmed the first home-clearing in. 
The sun could earlier begin 
To kiss the morning-glories trained 
Across the casement ; later strained 
The sunlight through the western trees. 
For year on year by slow degrees 
My stalwart kin, with ax and brand, 
Pressed back the giants of the land 
That ages long, with laurels crowned, 
Had sovereignized o'er all the ground. 
The ancient, kingly forest trees. 
With many a sharp, despairing groan, 
Were in their glory overthrown, 
And none to chant their obsequies ; 
Was only heard the roar of fire. 
As requiem, from their funeral pyre. 



In place of the receding lines 
Of beeches, maples, oaks, and pines, 
The blank to fill, the eye to please. 
Stood row on row of orchard trees ; 



Xcnore anO 1f, 

A variously bannered band 

To ward off famine from the land, 

To furnish pasture for the bees, 

And keyboards for the playing breeze, 

Fair parks set off with jeweled wings, 

All resonant with carolings. 



These fruitful parks o'er hill and dale 
Advanced along the blackened trail 
Of woods retreating, while between 
Did gardens march, and meads of green. 
Dispensing luxuries and rest, 
As on they tended to the west. 



Beyond the burnt-out new-cleared space 

Often with meditative pace 

I entered the primeval wood, 

And like a marveling pigmy stood 

'Neath vast arboreal canopies, 

The handiwork of centuries ; 

'Neath sproutings of a hundred Springs, 

A hundred Autumns' harvestings ; 

Grand resurrections from the dust 

Of former growths, that towered just 



lo Xenore anD IT. 

As proudly, proving- Nature's plan 

To be impartial. Since began 

The march of time, both high and low 

Must to a common level go, 

And intermingle, and again 

Uprise through growth. What once was 

man, 
In Nature's wondrous alchemy 
May reappear in flower or tree ; 
Or live again (if Nature wills,) 
In worm, or beauteous bird that thrills 
The mornings. Aye, the sage's mould 
May turn to creatures for whom gold 
Is everything ; and dust of fool 
May rise in founder of a school. 

And yet but lightly did I pore 
On Nature's face ; to me far more 
Delight was in the thought of her 
Who had more charms than ever were 
In greenwood brook, faun-haunted glade, 
Or moonht waters e'er displayed. 
Without Lenore was even June 
All incomplete, and out of tune. 
Her smile, and glance, and shining hair 
Could make December seem rigfht fair. 



Xenore anO f. ii 

'Twas ecstasy in sylvan wild, 

In days of old, for Nature's child 

To meet his counterpart and tell 

Of love's unending miracle ; 

To stroll v^^ith her, unseen, unheard 

By prying eye or ear, and v\^ord, 

And act his feelings fond, — but my 

Environment did me deny 

Such rapture. Distance held apart 

Me and the holder of my heart. 

" And when," thought I, " we meet again 

Heart-prompting ways we must restrain. 

Our scenes of courtship must be laid 

On lawns and carpets, not in glade, 

Or pathless wood, or lonely dell," — 

But still my memory served me well. 

Her dear remembered image thrilled 

I\Iy heart at all times ; where I willed 

In all my ramblings lone to go 

I nodded to her phantom so, 

That had one seen me at the time, 

He might have thought in pantomime 

I was addressing one unseen. 

By feigning thus my heart's own queen 

So softly gliding by my side 

My joys were doubly multiplied. 



12 Xenore anO If* 

There are times when our present surround- 
ings appear 

Unlovely and cheerless, when fancy is 
strong 

And we sweetly commune with, as if they 
were near, 

All the beautiful beings that memory throng. 

There are times when we live in a far-away 

spring ; 
When we thrill at the whispers that fell on 

our ear 
In the long, long ago, when the clasps to us 

cling 
Of a hand that's been ashes for many a year. 

There are times when the lover rehearses 

the charms 
Of the far away maid, and reharvests the 

bliss 
Again and again that he felt when his arms 
Encircled her form and kiss bartered for kiss. 

Still again there are times when the fancy is 

faint, 
And loveliness wearies and ceases to ghjw. 



Xenoce anD If. 13 

Remembrance, when nothing will stop the 
complaint 

Or the heart-ache but love's real endear- 
ments to know. 

So, tired of musing and of roving 
Alone, and further for the proving 
The constancy of my Lenore 
By other means than by her lore 
Of love within each missive sweet, 
Which was my choicest weekly treat, 
I ventured (after long time bracing 
My courage up and frequent facing 
Before my mirror, and oft combing 
Of wayward locks, and careful grooming 
Of hopeful hints of mustache coming, 
The while a plaintive love-stave humming, 
When not composing or repeating 
Enamoring speeches for the meeting). 
To seek her face among her kin. 
And courtship formally begin. 

A cordial welcome I received. 
I fully was at once relieved 
Of all the apprehensive fears 
That I had entertained for years, — 



14 Xenore anD f . 

Fears of a stern and haughty sire 

Refusing me my heart's desire, 

Of want of favor in the mother, 

Of small inquisitorial brother, 

Of favored cousin's lack of grace 

In yielding up his wonted place 

Beside his kin for tete-a-tetes, 

In angry terms denouncing fate's 

Decree, that maid must kinsman leave. 

And closer to a stranger cleave ; 

Of maiden aunt's reproving shake 

Of head, and censure, if should make 

Two ardent souls 'neath Cupid's goad, 

A move unwritten in the code, 

Of stately ways ; of sudden choking 

At brusque and jolly uncle's joking 

Mid the confusion that must rise 

When lovers' breasts are filled with sighs 

Suppressed and useless tongues are tied, 

And eyes downcast, and faces dyed 

With hues that like to posters flaming 

But advertise the accurate aiming 

Of Cupid's stinging, wounding darts, — 

Lenore so mollified these smarts 

Of lovers by her winsome ways 

That courtship had no hard delays, 



Xenore anD f . 

But, deeper than it first began, 
The course of love all smoothly ran, 
And bore us with its luring power 
To often meet within her bower, — 
Her moonlit bower, where did arise 
To mine her full betrothing eyes, 
And fall her kindling face, and rove 
Replies so archly far from love. 



But sterner work than with Lenore 
To meet by moonlight, was in store. 
Secession down from Sumter tore 
Our flag, and loud our Chieftain cried 
For loyal men to breast the tide 
Of war that must our land divide. 
No second summons did I need ; 
I mounted quick my petted steed, 
My beauteous black, and swiftly flew 
To bid my love Lenore adieu, 
Ere going to the tented field. 
Her love-lit, loyal face revealed 
Approval ; an unbidden tear 
Uprose. She stayed the tide of fear, 
And calmly said : '' Among the brave 
Go forth, my knight, our flag to save." 



IS 



1 6 Xcnore anD IT. 

I waved farewell, the spurs applied, 

And O, that stirring, warward ride ! 

I stroked my courser. ''Soon you'll hear,' 

Said I, "from bugle loud and clear 

The call to charge, and you must go 

In open field to meet the foe ; 

But when the while you're onward dashing, 

Above your head the sabers flashing, 

War's thunderbolts your pathway gashing, 

A leaden tempest round your ears, 

And 'neath the volley's smoke appears 

The foemen's steel athwart your way, 

Be not dismayed ; a brighter day 

Shall on you shine, if from the gloom 

Of war you bear your master home, 

While shout the throngs and beat the drums, 

' Behold ! the conquering hero comes.' " 

Played as I sped the strange prelude 
Of earnest war. Batallions rude 
Were forming on the village squares ; 
The breezes wafted martial airs ; 
And many were the flag-poles new ; 
Like masts upon the ship of state 
They rose, with sails red, white and blue ; 
The ship of state made all elate 



Xenore anD If. 17 

While being manned for victory 
Upon Rebellion's dangerous sea. 

Soon as I reached Potomac's shore, 
Back flew a missive to Lenore, 
And what a brave response it drew ! 
Then back and forth our every new 
Love-laden thought, that day by day 
We felt, we sent without delay. 

And year on year the bloody game 
Of war progressed. Promotion came^ 
But as my growing squadrons bore 
My name to fame o'er fields of gore, 
My heedless and unknightly heart. 
Enraptured with the warrior's art, 
Alas ! did less devotion pour 
Through billet-doux to lone Lenore. 

Ere long I learned he sorely mars 
His peace who strives for martial stars. 
As stepping-stones to what seems higher, 
Man treads too often in the mire 
His best possessions. Though I won 
Distinction rare, I was undone. 
What mattered glory, when did end 
Her letter short, "Lenore, your friend " ? 
2 



i8 Xenore anD 1f» 

Ah me ! Lenore, she little knew 

That she had pierced me through and 

through. 
For "friend" when used in right relation 
Breathes trust, affection, admiration, 
But all it yields can never cover 
The ecstasy that wells from "lover." 
And yet was I the one to blame 
That love in her had lost its flame. 

Hope ever is a lifter-up 
Of visions, sweetening every cup 
Of bitterness, and does our fears 
Dissolve with rainbow-weaving tears. 
And so I hoped, when war was o'er, 
To meet and win again Lenore. 

As time went on the growing tide 
Of carnage flowed from side to side. 
At times advanced the stars and bars, 
Then fell and rose the stripes and stars. 
Each rose and fell, while victory flew 
From side to side, like restless bird 
That knows not where to build her nest. 
More gloomy still the conflict grew 
Till rung above the din, a word — 
A word that long had been repressed, 



Xenoce anD IF. 



19 



A word that Sumner tried to teach, 

That Phillips strove to sound in speech, 

That Garrison abroad did fling ; 

That Whittier, strong in verse, did sing ; 

That Stowe made " Uncle Tom " recite ; 

That Brown in blood did boldly write ; 

A word that an awakened North 

From cannon's mouth now thundered forth; 

*' No more shall Freedom's emblem wave 

Above the cowering trampled slave, 

All shall be free ! " New vigor ran 

Along our lines, for now began 

A warfare for the rights of man. 

When Slavery's legal shield was gone 
More grandly rolled the conquest on. 
Post after post before us fell, 
And fainter grew the rebel yell ; 
And bondmen, as we paved their way 
To liberty, did homage pay. 

A dusky dame, whom years three score 
Of servitude had wrinkled o'er, — 
Her brow begirt with kerchief white. 
And waving one to win our sight, 
As from the old slave-planted post 
Of master's gate she hailed our host 



2 Xenore anO IT, 

That swept along on Lee's retreat, — 

She poured on us this blessing sweet, 

Over and over did repeat : 

*' De Lor' be praised, de Lor' bress ye. 

We knowed you'd come and make us free." 

Rare benediction ! Who can tell 

The glory that upon us fell ? 

She voiced the gratitude that thrilled 

Four million hearts. Not vainly spilled 

Our loyal blood. With joyous feet 

We flew along on Lee's retreat. 

V/e walled him round with battle blows,. 

Till o'er his famous legions rose, 

Surrender's signal, pledge that peace 

Had come, that fratricide should cease. 

Lenore mused thus ere yet was done 

The carnage, and the triumph won : 

" How long, how long, will dove-like peace 

Delay ? Ah me ! Will never cease 

These heartaches that we women feel ? 

Though far away from hostile steel. 

Of war we know the keenest smart. 

The men are brave ; they bear their part 

In mood heroic ; but the charms 

Of brilliant trappings, gleaming arms. 



Xenoce anD IT. 21 

Emblazoned banners, throbbing strains 

Of music to the battle plains 

Escort them, while we, to the quick 

Our hearts pierced through by news of slain 

And prisoned brothers, must remain, 

To scrape the lint, and nurse the sick ; — 

Those who were by the battle-wave 

O'ercome, and sent to us to save. 

We, widowed, orphaned, waste our bloom 

Of life unlaureled, and in gloom. 

Yet uncomplainingly I'd bear 
All this, were he not in the snare 
Of strong Ambition. Since his feet, 
Led on by that alluring cheat, 
So proudly tread the height of fame. 
Me he neglects, and in my stead 
Courts martial glory, while I'm wed 
To heavier grief than words can name. 

But grief o'er me shall not hold sway. 

I'll cover all my hurt away 

'Neath smiles and songs. Should he deplore 

His cruel course, and on his knees 

Pour out his penitential pleas, 

In pardoning grace he'll find me poor. 



2 2 Xenore anD If. 

Warm maids betrothed, he'll surely learn, 
Beneath neglect to ice will turn. 



When smoke of war had cleared away ; 
All burnished stood our brave array, 
Like brilliant iris after storm. 
But quickly fades the rain-bow's form 
To common light, and mingles free 
And hueless in the ethereal sea ; 
So melted quick each martial hue ; 
Our army grand dissolved from view. 
Quickly we glided from the glare 
Of arms victorious to the fair 
Calm sea of life, upon whose breast 
Arose the isles of home, all dressed 
In loveliness and peace and rest. 



But some to no home-raptures came ; 
Weep not for them ! they softly sleep 
Within the embalmimg arms of fame. 
Yet over those might angels weep. 
Who still alone must wait life through 
Before they greet their boys in blue, — 
To such your tenderest thoughts are due. 



Xenoi'c TtuD 1L 23 

Oft deck the mounds o'er which they weep, 
With all the fairest flowers that blow, 
And weave the memories that they keep 
Into the sweetest songs that flow 
From tuneful lips, for tender strain 
And flowers somewhat allay their pain. 



But other greeting was for me, 

I thought, beside the grand parade 

And welcomes at the home-hearth made, 

That would my crowning rapture be. 

"Now for Lenore I will prepare 

My presence with minutest care," 

Said I. " Her lover she anew 

In his blue star-decked robe shall view ; 

And with impassioned voice 111 ask 

Her pardon, — ^just a formal task. 

My coolness to her love I deem 

Like some obstruction in a stream ; 

Remove the bar, with gathered force 

The waters rush their wonted course : 

My absence ended, on, I know, 

Her love reserved will deeper flow 

With all the constancy of yore 

For me alone, — I ask no more." 



24 



ILcnore and f . 



Then, ardent as a boy at play, 
I on my noble bounding bay — 
Rode forth, — for my heroic black 
From Gettysburg came never back. 
As toward Lenore I sped with glee, 
The eastward creeping shadows lay 
By house and hill, by spire and tree. 
And crouching till the sun would stay 
His arrows bright, and cease to smite 
Her path, did wait the swarthy night 
To fold these shades upon her breast, 
Thus oft had we by battle pressed, 
Low-lying waited, till our foe 
Like sunset flame had ceased to glow, 
To reach each stricken comrade's side, 
To help and healing him provide. 



"What joy," mused I, "again to fly, 
As free as eagle in the sky ; 
O'er hill and dale, without the fear 
Of deadly danger drawing near ; 
Lest every swell and wood may smoke, 
And flash forth hissing battle-stroke. 
For here, from Nature's many throats, 
Are heard the soothing, mellow notes 



Xenore anD If. 25 

Of peace. The lowing of the herds, 
Maternal bleating from the hills, 
And liquid love-notes of the birds, 
And merry voices of the rills. 
While from the flower-bordered doors 
And casements of the cottage, pours 
The heart's own music, — lullabies 
To lure coy sleep to infants' eyes." 

The heart's own music, at the springs 
Of being sung ! O how it rings 
Adown the ages ! Woman blest 
Unto the nursling of her breast 
Forever sings it, as her eye 
Divines her babe's high destiny, 
As bringer of a golden time, 
As occult seer, or bard sublime. 
As champion of noble cause, 
Or framer of millennial laws, 
As paragon of every grace. 
The first perfected of our race. 

As nearer to Lenore I came, 
A mellow mood o'erflowed my frame, 
Rare peace within my heart was rife, 
1 thought of love as Lord of life, 



26 Xenore and If. 

And love-lit home as labor's end, 
" To such attainment now shall tend 
My constant toil ; to her I'll show " 
Said I, "an Eden still below." 



'Neath cloud of tinted mist to view, 
Now came the scene where doth enroll 
(Moved by the veiled Eternal's hand), 
That foam-embossed, self-chanting scroll 
Of music, — grand Niagara ! Fanned 
By mist-cooled zephyrs ; on I flew, 
(No time for exaltation due); 
For past the crystal-castled home 
Of grandeur, built of water-bloom. 
And trimmed with rainbows, was a scene 
More dear, the bower of my queen. 

Before the heaven-tending gale, 

The bark flies with full-blossomed sail. 

And so I sped her face to greet. 

But as on unsuspected rock 

That vessel drives, and from the shock 

Drifts reft and torn, a wreck complete, 

So from her coldness on were borne 

My blasted hopes ; to shreds were torn 



lenore anD 1, 27 

The scenes that fairy fancy wove 
Around the meeting with my love. 

I sought Niagara's moonlit face, 
But the enchantment could not chase 
The gloom away that rose before 
My eyes, remembering that Lenore 
Had told me I had lost my claim 
To call her by endearing name. 

That bitter hour! How envious-eyed 

I met those faces glorified 

By love ! The newly-wed were there, 

Who traced with gentle words the ways 

They wended in the yearning days, 

Ere Hymen did his feast prepare ; 

And downy youth with budding maid. 

Between whom Cupid coyly played ; 

Thrilling their frames to finger-tips, 

Delaying still to voice their lips. 

And veterans scarce beyond their teens, 

Old for their years, passed in review 

Their scars, escapes, and prison scenes; 

For eager ears of maidens true, 

Of whom in camp they'd mused and dreamed. 

I only of that throng, it seemed, 



28 Xcnore anD IF. 

Was lonely., rankling sorrow's own. 
I — who in years agone had known 
With rare Lenore, on such an eve, 
The rapture that o'erflowed in song, — 
Now felt my feet had done me wrong 
To lead where youth and beauty throngs 
For now I could but sigh and weave 
Dark reveries. 

Just then my heart 
Was pierced again ; there stood, apart^ 
Lenore with one of manners bland, 
Who served with me in my command. 
I was disguised ; they knew me not ; 
I sought a near secluded spot. 
The fav'ring shadows veiled me well, 
While friendly moonbeams on them fell ; 
Yet was I near enough to glean 
From his address and ardent mien 
He sought to win her for his own. 
Hov7 eagerly I scanned her face, 
For sign of yielding mood to trace ! 
But there for him small favor shone. 
And presently he spoke my name. 
For what intent I did not hear. 
Suffused her face a rosy flame. 
Then lightning-like did disappear. 



Henoce and IT. 

What doth it mean ? thought I. Do still 
Live embers in her heart remain 
Of that dear, old-time love ? And will 
They stir at my mere name again ? 
For she had firmly told me no ; 
A sudden ray of hope shot through 
My frame ; but then, what could I do ? 
Helpless w^as I ! They turned to go ; 
The groups dispersed ; and I alone 
Was left to make my bitter moan. 

And much it means to be alone 
With old Niagara and the night, 
While smarting from a loss that quite 
O'erwhelms the soul ! I lay there prone 
Above th' abyss, on trembling verge, 
Lamenting fate's austere decrees ; 
Paying my mournful obsequies 
To buried hopes. My wearied mind, 
Bewildered, sought in vain to find 
A way whereby I could emerge 
From misery's mazes, save to leap 
Clear from life's tangle o'er the steep, — 
To snap at once the galling chain 
Of life. At one majestic bound 
To solve the mysteries profound 
Of Death's unhistoried domain. 



29 



30 



Xenore anD IF. 



I rose to plunge forevermore 
From life into th' abysmal roar — 
The prelude to an end of pain, — 
Just then came flashing back again 
Through memory's hall the roseate flame 
That lit her face, when he my name 
To her an hour before had spoken ; 
And I was saved ; the spell was broken. 
I found my feet ; with bated breath 
I fled the gorgeous gulf of death. 

I sought my restless champing steed. 
And homeward sped with utmost speed. 
Beneath me how the highway flowed ! 
With leaping sparks the gravel glowed. 
The trees rushed past like routed men, 
The hedges, over hill and glen 
Like huge affrighted serpents ran ; 
The sleeping air awoke to fan 
My burning brow ; and answered back 
The groves my courser's click-a-clack. 

I sought my couch ; among my dreams 
My sorrow roamed, till on my ear 
Burst reveille from chanticleer, 
And shone Aurora's rosy beams 



Xcnore anD If. 31 

As rosy as the hues that wore 
My face the hopeful morn before. 
Then, startHng me, my mirror true 
Flashed forth a face of ashen hue. 
So worn it was as if life's race 
For weeks had been in hurried pace. 

Alas, 'twas only that Lenore 

Had me disowned the eve before ! 

I seized my pen, and pled that she 

Would reconsider her decree 

Of banishment ; but all in vain. 

The days like pilgrims deaf and dumb 

Strolled cheerless by. Slow weeks did come 

And go in hues of funeral train. 

Long months crawled past w:th snail-like 

speed ; — 
Of all my pleas she took no heed. 

I bravely wore a face untrue, — 

Like fruit that wears a healthy hue 

Upon its rind, while at its core 

The worm doth gnaw : — 'twas thus I bore 

A look that did belie the grief 

Within, from which was no relief. 

My loss did me so overwhelm, 

I could not find a joyful realm 



32 %cnovc anD II. 

Of thought or feeling ; all in vain 

My wounded pride rehearsed the strain : 



** Sorrow not Tor the loss of a maiden whose 

eyes 
No longer enraptured, with love on thee 

shine ; 
For maidens are many as stars in the skies ; 
One star may lose luster ; yet never 

repine, 
For myriads remain, and sparkle by night 
As clearly as when thy lost orb gave its 

light. 

•' Why sigh for the lips that no longer will 
bless 
Thy wooing with kisses and whispers of 
love ? 
For maidens are many v/ho wait the caress 
Of a lover; be hopeful ; a new love may 
prove 
More sweet, aye, the bloom in another 
maid's bower 
More honey may yield than thy first 
cherished flower. 



Xenore anD If. ^^ 

" Why grieve o'er the loss of a maiden 
whose voice 
No more for thy pleasure doth melody 
pour ? 
For maidens are many as birds, that rejoice 
When morning comes blushing the dewy 
hills o'er. 
Of the numberless warblers that dwell in 
the grove, 
Can the song of but one bird to rapture 
thee move ? 



"Why long for the maid who no longer 
doth turn 
Her cheeks into roses in Hesper-lit hour 
To garland thy bosom ? A fairer may yearn 
To bloom for a lover, as yearneth the 
flower, 
All night in the gloom folded up and for- 
lorn, 
To blush in its beauty and welcome tlie 
morn." 

But as I said, it was in vain ; 
My heart rehearsed another strain : 
3 



34 Xenore anD IT. 

" Though maidens outnumber the jewels 
that burn 
In the all-shielding azurine roof of the 
night, 
Away from the millions unsated I turn, 
Away from their glances, to gaze on the 
light 
Of one beautiful, magical pair of blue eyes 
That shone on the scene of my lost Para- 
dise. 

** Though maidens are many as singers 
that fill 
The forests and orchards and meadows 
with song, 
From them and their voices (though angels 
might thrill 
At the marvelous sweetness to them that 
belong), 
I turn me to drink in the music that falls 
From the one maiden's lips, in dear mem- 
ory's halls. 

*' Though maidens outnumber the cloudlets 
that sail 
In fanciful figures to garnish the sky, 



Xenore anD 



35 



But one of their number for me can unveil 
A beauty that ever enraptures the eye ; 

Though me she disowns, escape can I never 
Her marvelous graces, they haunt me 
forever. 

** Though maidens are many as streamlets 
that play 
In the pastures and meadows when winter 
is o'er, 
But one of their number can ever allay 
My feverish longing. No beauties can 
more 
Than cause deeper sighs for the heart- thrill- 
ing beams 
Of the one unapproachable maid of my 
dreams." 

But when the tardy sun did roam 
Less high and bold within the dome 
Of Heaven ; and when with mournful sighs 
Were filled the winds, and loud did rise 
The plaint of streams that wildly flew 
The flower-deserted valleys through ; 
When thus was Nature out of tune, 
I went one sombre afternoon, 



36 Xenore anD IT. 

To stroll within a neighboring wood 

Which like a grand memorial stood 

Of a departed soHtude ; 

Or like a pleasing interlude, 

Upon the march of tillage, — there 

I threw me down in deep despair. 

On Nature's rustling lap alone 

I cheerless lay, with inward moan 

And prayer that Heaven would make it plain 

How to allay unending pain. 



Unending pain ! There is a balm 

For fleshly ills. There is a calm 

Beyond the storm for those who sail 

Before the canvas-rending gale. 

Ovations wait beyond the fight 

For victors. Vanquished, after flight, 

Find friends and safety. For unpursed^ 

And hungry, overcome by thirst 

Do larders open, fountains play. 

Belated travelers find the way 

Still open. Chill by morning's glance 

Is slain ; while fairy moonbeams dance 

Again in quiet on the floor 

Of waters that the tempest tore 



Hcnovc anD IT. 

To tatters. Aye, there is a calm 

Succeeding tumult, and a balm 

For fleshly ills. Then for the smart 

Of a forsaken wounded heart 

Is there no healing.? " Why does one," 

I asked, " when manhood's just begun. 

Feel incomplete, and faint of heart, 

And pine for weaker counterpart, 

Cease in selfism to rejoice. 

And sigh for but one other voice 

Among the myriads just as sweet.? 

One smile to win, one face to greet. 

All thorny ways, and storms, and waves 

He joyously and rashly braves. 

One clasp of hand, one cheek a-blush 

Are more to him than wildest crush 

Of throngs him cheering. Highest prize 

Soft glances from one pair of eyes. 

Two rosy parted proffered lips 

Are more to him than all the ships 

That e'er came in from over seas. 

And then, alas ! the loss of these 

Allurements for him hath alarms 

Appalling more than all the harms 

Of shipwreck, or of prison chains, 

Or thirst, or hunger, deathly pains 



37 



38 Xenore anD U. 

Of battle-fields, diseases dire, 

Or loss by flood, or storm, or fire, 

Or lack of friends, or being cursed 

By raving rabbles. Fortune's worst 

Is when rejection evermore 

To heart's desire has shut the door." 

When I arose, the sky had cleared, 

The wind had died, the west appeared — 

Both sky and hills— as bright as gold ; 

Upon my homeward pathway rolled 

A flood of glory, and the while 

Pervaded every open aisle 

Of all the wood,— an omen bright 

Of good appeared that feast of light. 

How strangely then to me there came 

This precept, thrilling all my frame : 

*' He who would rest from sorrow, know, 

Must ever keep his ear inclined 
To others' moans ; their cups of woe 

Must taste ; then will he surely find 
That his own sorrow much hath lost 

Of bitterness." The thought was old, 
But if an angel then had crossed 

My path, and me the same had told, 



Xenore atiD f. 39 

It could not have impressed me more. 
How strange it had not come before 
On eager wings, this truth so trite, 
My weary, darksome life to light. 



As from a service full of sweet 
Ennobling thoughts, in speech or song, 
In hope I homeward turned my feet. 
Resolved to join the noble throng 
Of toilers for the common good. 
Just as had sunk from sight the sun, 
And stars were coming one by one, 
I reached the margin of the wood. 
There cultured meads were mine. My hand 
Had helped to drive, with axe and brand, 
The tangled wild away. Once blest 
Was I in planning there to rest, 
(Lenore my consort,) and enjoy 
The fruit of sweat-anointed toil 
Of early years ; with naught to roil 
The stream of life ; my sweet employ 
To dress the garden, train the vine 
Beside the doorway's rustic seat. 
From which to view my meadows fine. 
My herds and fields of golden wheat 



40 Xenoce anD 1F* 

And tasscled corn without a care 

To mark my brow or blanch my hair ! 

But when one's longing is denied, 

Of what avail are harvests wide, 

Or flocks and fruits with none to share 

Around the board these bounties rare, — 

No wife, with looks and converse sweet, 

Or babes to consecrate the meat ? 

As little could the organ please 

With none to animate the keys ; 

Or showerless clouds, above the plain, 

With everything athirst for rain ; 

Or seat at feast, w^th song and toast, 

Without the chiefest guest or host. 

As forth I went, angelic mien 

Was mine to some whose larders lean 

Were stored again ; and joy was seen 

In looks that answered back the flame 

Of hearths replenished ; then became 

The coal more worth than diamonds bright, 

Eld's hoarded sunshine brought to light. 

Erect I saw the crouching form 

Once more within a mantle warm, 

And faces lost their lines of pain 

When healing cordials came. Again 



ILcnore anD If. 41 

Starved minds did feast ; no time to tell 

The many marvels that befell. 

The wounds of fortune grew more light. 

My griefs were less as I the blight 

From other hearts removed. More worth 

And joy for me possessed the earth, 

As I fulfilled the creed divine 

That every man is brother mine, 

And that to every one is given 

The power to turn a hell to heaven. 



Speed on the day 

When men will lay 
To heart the needs of neighbors ; 

And count it joy 

Without alloy. 
To bless another's labors. 



The tempest-tossed 

Need not be lost, 
If we would not forsake them. 

There'd be no dearth 

Of loaves on earth, 
If men would, Christ-like, break them. 



42 Xenore anD ir. 

The many shapes 

Of those '' sour grapes," 
That make poor mortals sadder, 

Might yield the wine 

Of life divine, 
Would we but lend a ladder. 

Now Spring, from out the Everglades 
Of Florida, and fragrant shades 
Of orange groves, did venture forth 
To send her heralds to the North. 
With fragrant, flowery flags of green. 
And strains of music, soon was seen 
Her coming. 'Neath her magic spell 
State after State before her fell. 
On, on she swept until the tents 
Of winter, stained and full of rents, 
That last remained along the shore 
Of old Saint Lawrence, vanished ; o'er 
Victoria's realm triumphant trod 
The recreating power of God. 

When came July whose flaming eye 
Did wilt the corn, and fields of rye 
Turn into lakes of wavy gold ; 
And when the thirsting lips of mould 



Xenore anO II. 43 

Did crack, and when did panting rove 
The herds, to 'scape the noontide heat, 
Into the shadows of the grove, 
I turned my hot and weary feet 
From battling weeds, among the corn 
And vines that did the fields adorn, 
Toward the broad and breezy lakes 
And river, where the throng betakes 
Itself awhile, new strength to gain 
For garnering coming harvests' grain. 

Rare River St. Lawrence ! Imperial band 
Of embroidery rich on the marge of our 

land! 
Bejeweled, and burnished, and flashing the 

dyes 
Of borders historic and beautiful skies ! 

Peerless plaisance of summer ! The home 

of the breeze 
On the crystalline currents from unsalted 

seas ! 
Where the transports of commerce are lost 

in the play 
Of the navies of pleasure that garland the 

way. 



44 Xenore anO f . 

Renewers of youth are your islands, caressed 
By cool airs and clear waters ; and haunts of 

the blessed 
Are all your flotillas, suspended between 
Two marvelous heavens, in settings of 

green. 



Now when the Nation's birthday came, 
And streets with flags were all aflame, 
I drifted with the crowd. I went 
Among enchanted Isles. Was bent 
Each one to fill the day with pleasures, 
Amid display and stirring measures 
Of music. Blithely as we sailed, 
Another pleasure-barge we hailed, 
Then met, and closely glided by 
Each other. O'er the railing 1 
Leaned out to learn if to the throng, 
Some face familiar did belong. 
Ne'er was more blessed explorer's eye ! 
My loved Lenore I did espy 
The fluttering handkerchiefs among. 
As closer to the rail she clung 
Her eyes met mine. A sudden start 
And flush (how wildly beat my heart !) 



Xenore anD f. 45 

I saw a penetrating look, — 

And then a flying streamer took 

Her face from view. By me stood one 

Whose silver hair in years agone 

I thought that I had looked upon 

Anear her home ; his features wore 

A kindly look ; I craving more 

To learn of her in any way 

That would my purpose not betray, 

Did softly ask him if he knew 

Aught of the throng that in review 

Had passed. Said he, '*I recognized 

A former friend ; but how surprised 

And flushed she looked ! " ''Perchance the 

same 
I saw," said I, " Pray, what's her name.? " 
*' Lenore, — the peerless, — yet unwed ! 
'Tis strange ! Her loveliness hath led 
Rare suitors to her, but her hand 
No more is sought ; all understand 
'Tis useless and ungallant now 
To pain her ear with lover's vow. 
No more, methinks, of marriage bells 
She muses, and no more she dwells 
On thoughts of conquest, or on all 
The kindred thoughts that hold in thrall 



46 Xenore anO l. 

The girlish mind. To tell the truth, 
'Tis said she loved a famous youth ; 
But that the strong mysterious hand 
Of fate dissolved the roseate band 
Of early, ardent love. Serene 
She moves among us as the queen 
Of all our hearts. Now is expelled 
All dross that e'er her being held ; 
And now doth go her saintly feet 
On errands so divine and sweet, 
On ministries that are by Heaven 
To less than angels never given." 

He ceased ! Thought I, "The being rare 

That he has painted once was mine, 

But now she's even more divine 

Than when it was her dearest care 

Her warmest welcomes to prepare 

For me. My heavenward growth, I ween, 

Beside her own is small and mean ; 

Henceforth let me adore from far 

Her saintliness, and never jar 

Her life serene with even a word 

Of my devotion to her ! " Heard 

We now the harbor's voice ; the day 

Of pleasure ended at the Bay. 



%cnoxc anO IT. 47 

The while that we the gangway o'er 
Were pressing fast, amid the roar 

Of sunset guns, the barge to sight 
Again appeared that we had passed. 
It touched the shore beneath the light 
Of Roman candles ; 'mong the last 
(I sheltered watched) to gain the shore 
I, tremulous, beheld Lenore 
Beside her well-remembered sire. 
I thought that I had quelled desire 
For her for aye. I did not know 
My inner self, for when the glow 
Of her sweet presence fell across 
My path, like stubble dry, the moss 
Of time and absence long away 
Was burned, and all the embers gray 
Of love fresh-fanned burst into flame. 



I saw a change I could not name 
Upon her face. I saw engraven 
What clearly told me that the haven 
Of peace and rest had not been won ; 
A look begot of thoughts that run 
In quest of fate ; such as is given 
To those who, if unfed from Heave i. 



48 Xenore mb IT. 

Are Hearing shadows of despair, — 
The pale, rapt look that shows the wear 
Of toil for agencies above 
Without the recompense of love 
Below ; such shadings you may trace 
Upon the nun's uplifted face, 
Or face of one who, love-lorn here, 
Derives from hidden springs above 
What is denied her in our sphere. 
"Perchance some spark of old-time love, 
Said I, " disturbs her slumbers still. 
And may be warring with her will. 
Perchance fresh pleading on my part 
Would find a lodgment in her heart." 



Small consolation ! I had vowed 

Never to seek her, save if she 

Advance should make by sending me 

Some word of welcome. Beating loud, 

My heart rebuked me sorely now 

For making such a foolish vow. 

Just then aboard their skiff they went, 

And toward the isles their course they bent 

Over reposeful waters, while 

Like brilliants every cottaged isle 



Xenore anO IT. 49 

Appeared, and while the natal night 
Was radiant with the witching light 
Of brightening stars, and keen display 
Of fireworks shooting from the Bay. 
I sadly gazed, until my fair 
Was lost amid th' enchantment rare. 



Imagine one who near the gate 
Of Heaven hath glimpse of streets of gold. 
And joys and glories manifold, 
But may not enter, held by fate 
In endless longing for the bliss 
Denied, because of deeds amiss ; 
Whose grief hath no alleviation, 
Because Him who could let him in 
He hath estranged by hurt and sin, 
That will admit no expiation. 
That fated one's forlorn position 
Is like unto my sad condition ; 
For cureless errors did I wait 
Unparadised, without the gate 
Of earthly bliss, ill-starred, undone 
With hopeless watching for the one 
Offended sore, who held the key 
To my life's lost felicity. 
4 



50 



Xenore auD t, 



That man is father of his fate 
Is the conclusion of the sages ; 

His destiny he doth create ; 

'Tis fruitage of his deeds, the wages 

Of his own wisdom, or his folly. 

One harvests mirth ; one melancholy. 

"But still a fairer, choicer crop 
May spring from wiser, later planting. 
So waste no time in vain recanting — 

A consequence is hard to stop. 
Plant aspirations that will flower 
In whiter deeds and overtower 
And shame your former, meaner doing; 
Win noble meed by noble wooing. 

Though side by side awhile may live 
The baser and the nobler fate, 

This one will cease ill fruit to give. 
And that will yield at wondrous rate." 

Thus caroled Hope in soothing strain 
But Reason chanted back again 

My woe : "I see not how applies 
This goodly promise to your case. 
Your vows, which you may not efface, 

Like lofty prison walls arise 



Xenore an& 1. 

To hinder planting for new fate. 
Some second sowing is too late, 
Alas for that ! you may not try 
Another planting, but must lie 
In self-made dungeon, where you feel 
That you have forged its bars of steel. 
Awhile you thought that worldly strife 
Would still the longings of your life. 
Your need of her seemed nearly slain 
By stress of business, toil for gain. 

And generous distribution, — lo ! 
She, grave and queenly, passed across 
Your path ; the vision of your loss 

Renews the darkness of your woe." 



•* I would I were a bird, that I 
Might round her island arbors fly ; 
Then could I sing to her my woes. 
I would I were a breeze, that blows 
To her the music of the waves, 
To her the fragrance of the flowers ; 
I'd fill her ear with mournful staves 
Of song that fill my lonely hours, 
Whose burden is : * I yearn, and yearn 
For signal that I may return.' 



51 



52 Xenore anD IT, 

' ' I would I were a vivid dream, 

That like to a bewitching beam 

Of moonlight, might her chamber gain, 

The while her ripened charms were lain 

In softest slumber ; I would woo 

More ardently than e'er before ; 

My penitence, my longing sore. 

My deathless passion, all I'd throw 

Into my pleading for repeal 

Of her decree that kills my weal. 



*' I'd plead : * I know how just my fate ; 
I planted coldness in your breast ; 
But now, ah me ! I am oppressed 
With endless v/inter, Arctic weather; 
The blow I gave you, light as feather. 
Recoils on me a crushing weight. 
But O, relent ! Be kind ! forgive 
My past unknightly ways ! and now 
Dispel the shadows from thy brow. 
And smile on me, and let me live.' 



"As long as plaint of whip-poor-will 
Floats sweetly o'er the water still, 



Xenore anO ir» 53 

Would I, — her loveliness anear — 
Pour in her pure and pearly ear 
My pleas, of desperation born, — 
Would supplicate until the morn ; 
And the refrain of every plea 
That I could softly urge should be ; 
' In penitence I yearn and yearn 
For token that I may return. " 
Thus mused I, gazing where my fair 
Was lost in the enchantment rare. 



When morning came, arose Lenore, 
And thus she mused : "How I deplore 
My waywardness ! A rankling sting, 
'Tis true his negligence did bring. 
But his repentance with disdain 
I paid ; his missive plead again, — 
I heeded not, — and now I find 
That some unfailing power doth bind 
My heart to him. At first I thought, 
My wounded pride in me so wrought, 
That I from him was wholly free. 
My friends assurance gave to me 
That I would soon forget the rover 
Who first to me did play the lover. 



54 lenore anD 1F. 

They said, ' A boy has often dozens 

Of sweethearts (most of whom are cousins), 

To practice gallantries upon, 

In preparation for the one 

Rare princess of his heart, that he 

Expects in all sincerity 

To meet, and kneel before, and sue 

In courtly phrase, as lovers do 

In books and plays.' On me did pour 

Such floods of love-belittling lore, 

That the delights, all else above, 

Of my remembered early love, 

Were tarnished, like unto a sweep 

Of vernal meadow, near the steep, 

At times of all its beauty shorn 

By turbid, chilling torrents, born 

Amid the murky peaks above. 

So smothered was my youthful love, 

That for awhile, even after he 

For reinstatement plead with me 

A second time, I did not know 

That it was still alive, below 

The flood of pride and friends' advice, 

Or that it could, within a trice. 

All opposition sweep away 

And reassume imperial sw^ay. 



Xenore anO H. 55 

"For love is a something that brooks no 

control ; 
Of life and of bliss 'tis the center and 

soul, 
'Tis a mystery deep as the unsounded seas, 
And as native to hearts as are blossoms to 

trees. 

"There's no joy save in loving and doing, 

— alone 
Even God were unsated, though blazing 

His throne 
With rubies and rainbows, — bhss came 

when employed 
In filling with life the dread silence and 

void. 

And the artist, though seemingly happy 

alone, 
Communes with creations begot of his own 
Imperial longings for something above 
What his senses reveal, to worship and 

love. 

" Kind nature forever for each happy bird 
A mate doth provide ; and until it is stirred 

UtfC. 



56 Xenore auD I1. 

By the soft wooing zephyrs, the loveliest lake 
Will never from dreaming with laughter 
awake. 



Vernal glories, till wooed by the breath and 

the gold 
Of rare mornings ; and whisperings sweet of 

the trees 
Are responses to pressures of warm loving 

breeze. 

"Yet still awhile I sought a face 

That should forever take the place 

Of his. Amid the whirl and dance 

Of fashion, many a suitor's glance, 

And smile, hand-pressure, word, and tone 

I treasured, and, when quite alone 

I them recalled, passed in review, 

To separate the false from true ; 

And of one man whose offerings seemed 

The choicest, long I mused and dreamed, 

In hope that he would grandly rise, 

To manhood of heroic size. 

Whose virtues would o'ershadow all 

The others, and my heart enthrall. 



OLenore anD If. 57 

I sought in vain — nor could erase 
Within my heart one haunting face. 

What deep chagrin was mine — that he^ 
Whose nature towered in majesty 
Above all other men I knew, 
Did for my hand no longer sue ! 
But who can understand a maid? 
Not even herself. On him I laid 
The blame because at my own word 
He left me, and at last deferred 
To my decision,— what else could 
He do, and act as wise man should ? 

** And then in varying mood I shift 
The blame to him, because the gift 
Supernal he does not display 
Of knowing, though so far away, 
My thoughts concerning him ; indeed. 
I often wish that he were freed 
From the restraints of this our time, 
So that it would not be a crime 
For him to seize me as his own ; 
Or that the flower of time were blown 
To-day, when men no more must take 
Th' initiative, — as certain sages 



^8 Hcnore and fl. 

Foretell of swiftly-coming ages — 
But maids will the proposals make. 

"Ah me— my acts have long belied 

My feelings ! Oh, how I have tried 

To be at rest apart from him ! 

My way forever grows more dim 

And rough and dreary — were he nigh 

It were not so, I often sigh. 

Of what avail my deeds of love ? 

He is not near me to approve ; 

Though fully I renounce the gauds 

Of senseless fashions,— he applauds 

Me not— me miserable, — a nun 

I seem to men, while to be one 

With him— 'twere rapture. Were he told 

Of my contrition, would that old, 

Sweet fondness lead him still to hold 

My heart and hand in dear esteem.? 

Last night I saw him in a dream ; 

And his fond face did overflow 

With love like that of long ago. 

* May I return ? ' he asked. What bliss ! 

I yielded, but his clasp and kiss 

Awoke me. O, 'twas joy,— then pain; 

Life's topmost peak — black gulf again I 



Xenore anO ir» 

But he shall know how tends my stream 
Of life, — I'll write to him my dream." 



And now the gloom has cleared away ; 

Life's sun is up ; the perfect day 

Of life, love-crowned, doth on me shine ; 

My lost Lenore a dream divine 

Hath led to blend her life with mine. 

On radiant wings the moments fly ; 

Transfigured by her kindling eye 

All life is glorious. All that woe 

Is like a dreadful nightmare gone, 

Is past, like tempest's gloom, whereon 

Doth hang the calm's resplendent bow. 

My sky is pearl without a stain, 

And all earth's discords that remain 

Are lost in life's full-rounded strain. 



THE END. 



59 



Afi 



JOO 



iilliiii 

018 393 456 9 



